Two 'people of interest' in Washington murder cooperating

The Washington Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation say two people of interest in the Nov. 22 homicide of a man outside of a bar have been located and our cooperating with police.

The two men, identified only as “Memphis” and “Brandon” are talking to investigators. The Washington Police Department, in a statement released today, said the investigation is ongoing and no further details would be released at this time.

Police were called to the Fourth Avenue Bar and Grill, 331 Fourth Ave. in Washington, at about 1:30 a.m. Nov. 22 after witnesses reported Robert T. Blankenship, 45, of Washington, was unconscious in the bar's parking lot. The witnesses told police several people had been involved in an altercation in the area where Blankenship was found.

Blankenship was taken to the Washington County Hospital by ambulance and later transferred to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he was pronounced dead.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding any of the above listed people to contact the Washington Police Department at 319 653 2256, or the Washington Communications Center at 319 653 2107.